Our Favorite Milwaukee Spots

Anna
Our Favorite Milwaukee Spots

Shopping

Super cute shop with an awesome selection of vintage clothes and furniture! The owner loves to shop himself, so he prices everything to sell to make space for his new finds :)
Tip Top Atomic Shop
2343 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Super cute shop with an awesome selection of vintage clothes and furniture! The owner loves to shop himself, so he prices everything to sell to make space for his new finds :)
Long standing vinyl record shop just down the street from the house.
Acme Records
2341 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Long standing vinyl record shop just down the street from the house.
Stellar selection of beautifully restored mid century modern furniture, vintage clothing & accessories. Run by three sweet local guys. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
6 locals recommend
Brew City Salvage
524 W National Ave
6 locals recommend
Stellar selection of beautifully restored mid century modern furniture, vintage clothing & accessories. Run by three sweet local guys. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
If you like hats, you gotta go! From their website (they say it better than we ever could): "The Brass Rooster is as much a working museum as it is a hat shop. John & Kate and the entire staff at The Brass Rooster & The Hen House are always willing to talk about the history of their shop and the history of hat making. Servicing customers locally, nationally and internationally, The Brass Rooster has become a must see location if you are in the city; from the patrons in the city to celebrity clientele, everyone gets treated the same."
8 locals recommend
The Brass Rooster
2250 S Kinnickinnic Ave
8 locals recommend
If you like hats, you gotta go! From their website (they say it better than we ever could): "The Brass Rooster is as much a working museum as it is a hat shop. John & Kate and the entire staff at The Brass Rooster & The Hen House are always willing to talk about the history of their shop and the history of hat making. Servicing customers locally, nationally and internationally, The Brass Rooster has become a must see location if you are in the city; from the patrons in the city to celebrity clientele, everyone gets treated the same."
Very close to our house is Sparrow, a locally owned boutique that offers everything from home goods to jewelry to clothing, much of it locally made.
21 locals recommend
Sparrow Collective
2224 S Kinnickinnic Ave
21 locals recommend
Very close to our house is Sparrow, a locally owned boutique that offers everything from home goods to jewelry to clothing, much of it locally made.
Awesome vintage shop with an impeccably curated selection of decor items, jewelry and clothing!
6 locals recommend
Plume
3001 S Kinnickinnic Ave
6 locals recommend
Awesome vintage shop with an impeccably curated selection of decor items, jewelry and clothing!
Massive antique mall with three full floors of treasures! Open 7 days a week and reasonably priced.
15 locals recommend
Antiques On Pierce
1512 W Pierce St
15 locals recommend
Massive antique mall with three full floors of treasures! Open 7 days a week and reasonably priced.
Walkers Point vintage shop focusing on Midcentury furniture, lighting and artwork (at excellent prices).
BC Modern
3116 S 5th St
Walkers Point vintage shop focusing on Midcentury furniture, lighting and artwork (at excellent prices).
Impeccably curated shop featuring home goods, houseplants, jewelry and clothing.
16 locals recommend
URSA
2534 S Kinnickinnic Ave
16 locals recommend
Impeccably curated shop featuring home goods, houseplants, jewelry and clothing.
911 W. National Avenue. Anna was the interior designer for this amazing shop featuring new and vintage handmade jewelry, leather goods, and a selection of vintage & antique items.
CIVAL Collective
911 W National Ave
911 W. National Avenue. Anna was the interior designer for this amazing shop featuring new and vintage handmade jewelry, leather goods, and a selection of vintage & antique items.
We have yet to leave this place empty-handed! With some of the best prices in town, this shop features an eclectic selection of vintage and antique items across a wide variety of styles. Bonus that Ann (the owner) is a total sweetheart.
Good Land Antiques
3391 S Kinnickinnic Ave
We have yet to leave this place empty-handed! With some of the best prices in town, this shop features an eclectic selection of vintage and antique items across a wide variety of styles. Bonus that Ann (the owner) is a total sweetheart.
Always worth a stop if you love vintage clothing!
7 locals recommend
Alive and Fine
2652 S Kinnickinnic Ave
7 locals recommend
Always worth a stop if you love vintage clothing!
Best vintage shop in Milwaukee, in our humble opinion. Find them on IG for their posted weekend hours - they will also open by appointment!
Serpentine Salvage
2625 South Greeley Street
Best vintage shop in Milwaukee, in our humble opinion. Find them on IG for their posted weekend hours - they will also open by appointment!
Awesome little indie bookstore!!
Lion's Tooth
2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Awesome little indie bookstore!!
Awesome little plant store just a couple of blocks from the house!
Clover Milwaukee
2252 South Kinnickinnic Avenue
Awesome little plant store just a couple of blocks from the house!

Music Venues

legendary small rock club that's been there over 30 years. Mega famous bands like Spoon, Queens of the Stone Age, White Stripes and Bright Eyes all played here early in their careers. Check the calendar to see who's on. The front room has a cozy Bär if you're just keen for a tapper.
26 locals recommend
Cactus Club
2496 S Wentworth Ave
26 locals recommend
legendary small rock club that's been there over 30 years. Mega famous bands like Spoon, Queens of the Stone Age, White Stripes and Bright Eyes all played here early in their careers. Check the calendar to see who's on. The front room has a cozy Bär if you're just keen for a tapper.
the "go to" live music venue in town, both turner hall and pabst theater get all the best touring bands. 10 min drive.
19 locals recommend
Turner Hall Ballroom
1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave
19 locals recommend
the "go to" live music venue in town, both turner hall and pabst theater get all the best touring bands. 10 min drive.
Historic music venue with an impressive roster of artists who have played there over the years. We've seen many great shows there!
8 locals recommend
Shank Hall
1434 N Farwell Ave
8 locals recommend
Historic music venue with an impressive roster of artists who have played there over the years. We've seen many great shows there!
The Colectivo Prospect Cafe is home to the Back Room at Colectivo music series. We've discovered some of our favorite artists there!
16 locals recommend
Colectivo Coffee - Prospect
2211 N Prospect Ave
16 locals recommend
The Colectivo Prospect Cafe is home to the Back Room at Colectivo music series. We've discovered some of our favorite artists there!
66 locals recommend
The Pabst Theater
144 E Wells St
66 locals recommend
44 locals recommend
The Riverside Theater
116 W Wisconsin Ave
44 locals recommend
Awesome coffee shop which turns into a music venue by night.
90 locals recommend
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
2920 S Kinnickinnic Ave
90 locals recommend
Awesome coffee shop which turns into a music venue by night.

Parks & Nature

A favorite gathering spot for Bayview residents, Humboldt Park Pavilion is just a mile from the house. On Tuesdays from June through August, Humboldt Park hosts "Chill on the Hill" from 6:00 to 8:30 with live music in their bandshell and a variety of food and drink vendors...you're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks!
20 locals recommend
Humboldt Park Pavilion
3000 S Howell Ave
20 locals recommend
A favorite gathering spot for Bayview residents, Humboldt Park Pavilion is just a mile from the house. On Tuesdays from June through August, Humboldt Park hosts "Chill on the Hill" from 6:00 to 8:30 with live music in their bandshell and a variety of food and drink vendors...you're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks!

Grocery & Liquor Stores

Health food store/co-op about a mile from the house. It's a big store that carries just about everything you would need, at reasonable prices for what it is.
54 locals recommend
Outpost Natural Foods
2826 S Kinnickinnic Ave
54 locals recommend
Health food store/co-op about a mile from the house. It's a big store that carries just about everything you would need, at reasonable prices for what it is.
Right around the corner from the house, Bayview Supermarket is family owned and operated and has a little bit of everything.
Bayview Supermarket
2277 S Howell Ave
Right around the corner from the house, Bayview Supermarket is family owned and operated and has a little bit of everything.
Excellent liquor store not too far from the house with a stellar beer and wine selection.
Siegel's Liquor
2632 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Excellent liquor store not too far from the house with a stellar beer and wine selection.
Our favorite neighborhood market, Groppi's has an extensive array of groceries and prepared foods, an impressive beer and wine selection, a deli counter that makes the best paninis in town, a butcher shop in the back, and even a beer and wine bar!
36 locals recommend
G. Groppi Food Market
1441 E Russell Ave
36 locals recommend
Our favorite neighborhood market, Groppi's has an extensive array of groceries and prepared foods, an impressive beer and wine selection, a deli counter that makes the best paninis in town, a butcher shop in the back, and even a beer and wine bar!

Our Favorite Restaurants

A hidden gem in nearby Walker's Point, The Noble's kitchen is so small that they don't have room for a walk-in cooler, which means the ingredients are always fresh and the menu changes daily. Open Thursday through Monday for dinner, with Monday Brunch (a favorite of the local service industry crowd)! They don't take reservations, so go early if you prefer not to wait.
21 locals recommend
The Noble
704 S 2nd St
21 locals recommend
A hidden gem in nearby Walker's Point, The Noble's kitchen is so small that they don't have room for a walk-in cooler, which means the ingredients are always fresh and the menu changes daily. Open Thursday through Monday for dinner, with Monday Brunch (a favorite of the local service industry crowd)! They don't take reservations, so go early if you prefer not to wait.
Bayview eatery featuring New American fare and cocktails in a refined yet fun environment.
52 locals recommend
Goodkind
2457 S Wentworth Ave
52 locals recommend
Bayview eatery featuring New American fare and cocktails in a refined yet fun environment.
Our favorite Milwaukee Thai restaurant in the heart of the East Side.
41 locals recommend
Thai-namite
932 E Brady St
41 locals recommend
Our favorite Milwaukee Thai restaurant in the heart of the East Side.
Serbian restaurant, widely known for its cuisine and loved for its quirky service and beautiful atmosphere! Make a reservation, especially on the weekends, and be warned that they only take cash or check.
23 locals recommend
Three Brothers
2414 S St Clair St
23 locals recommend
Serbian restaurant, widely known for its cuisine and loved for its quirky service and beautiful atmosphere! Make a reservation, especially on the weekends, and be warned that they only take cash or check.
Right around the corner from our house (if you take a right out of our door and walk up the alleyway you'll find a shortcut!) A favorite among locals with consistently good food, a full bar and friendly service. They are famous for their sides (asian slaw and housemade chips).
56 locals recommend
LuLu Cafe
2265 S Howell Ave
56 locals recommend
Right around the corner from our house (if you take a right out of our door and walk up the alleyway you'll find a shortcut!) A favorite among locals with consistently good food, a full bar and friendly service. They are famous for their sides (asian slaw and housemade chips).
Amazing neighborhood Italian restaurant, just a short drive from the house.
32 locals recommend
Tenuta's Italian Restaurant
2995 S Clement Ave
32 locals recommend
Amazing neighborhood Italian restaurant, just a short drive from the house.
Our go-to Indian restaurant, super close to the house! Friendly service and always delicious.
28 locals recommend
Cafe India Bay View
2201 S Kinnickinnic Ave
28 locals recommend
Our go-to Indian restaurant, super close to the house! Friendly service and always delicious.
Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Beautiful patio where you can dine in the warmer months!
67 locals recommend
Honeypie
2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave
67 locals recommend
Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Beautiful patio where you can dine in the warmer months!
A truly hidden gem, Barnacle Bud's is on the water just a ten minute walk from the house. A casual, down-home waterfront shack of a place featuring seafood, oysters, burgers, and a full bar.
33 locals recommend
Barnacle Bud's
1955 S Hilbert St
33 locals recommend
A truly hidden gem, Barnacle Bud's is on the water just a ten minute walk from the house. A casual, down-home waterfront shack of a place featuring seafood, oysters, burgers, and a full bar.
Amazing Italian food! Try the Duck Bacon Carbonara, or any of their pizzas. They also have a romantic, beautiful little jazz bar next door that is open Wednesday through Saturday.
46 locals recommend
Centro Cafe
808 E Center St
46 locals recommend
Amazing Italian food! Try the Duck Bacon Carbonara, or any of their pizzas. They also have a romantic, beautiful little jazz bar next door that is open Wednesday through Saturday.
Traditional and creative sushi, Japanese & Thai small plates, rice bowls and ramen in a modern space.
21 locals recommend
Hungry Sumo
2663 S Kinnickinnic Ave
21 locals recommend
Traditional and creative sushi, Japanese & Thai small plates, rice bowls and ramen in a modern space.

Museums & Sightseeing

Incredibly beautiful museum with an impressive permanent collection and reliably well curated temporary exhibits. The building itself is a work of art!
398 locals recommend
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum Dr
398 locals recommend
Incredibly beautiful museum with an impressive permanent collection and reliably well curated temporary exhibits. The building itself is a work of art!
Natural History Museum that hasn't been significantly updated since the 70s, which is why we love it! We especially love the "Old Streets of Milwaukee" and "European Village" exhibits, which are walk-through dioramas with cobblestone streets lined with cottages and storefronts you can peer into!
151 locals recommend
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W Wells St
151 locals recommend
Natural History Museum that hasn't been significantly updated since the 70s, which is why we love it! We especially love the "Old Streets of Milwaukee" and "European Village" exhibits, which are walk-through dioramas with cobblestone streets lined with cottages and storefronts you can peer into!
The Grohmann's primary exhibit "The Man at Work" features an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures showcasing the evolution of human work across history. Check out the rooftop sculpture garden as well!
12 locals recommend
Grohmann Museum
1000 N Broadway
12 locals recommend
The Grohmann's primary exhibit "The Man at Work" features an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures showcasing the evolution of human work across history. Check out the rooftop sculpture garden as well!
Dating back to 1901, the iconic Basilica of St. Josaphat is very close to the house and open Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 4PM for visits and tours. The Saint Josaphat Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish (the first urban Polish parish in the US) and quickly became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Modeled after St. Peter's Basilica, the incredible looking structure includes salvaged materials from the Chicago Post Office and Custom house, which were brought to Milwaukee on 500 railroad flatcars!
28 locals recommend
Basilica of St. Josaphat
2333 S 6th St
28 locals recommend
Dating back to 1901, the iconic Basilica of St. Josaphat is very close to the house and open Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 4PM for visits and tours. The Saint Josaphat Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish (the first urban Polish parish in the US) and quickly became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Modeled after St. Peter's Basilica, the incredible looking structure includes salvaged materials from the Chicago Post Office and Custom house, which were brought to Milwaukee on 500 railroad flatcars!
The Milwaukee Riverwalk ties together three distinct waterfront neighborhoods (The Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B). It is more than 20 blocks from end to end, and is an awesome way to get to see different areas of the city at your own pace. The Riverwalk is also home to an outdoor art gallery called RiverSculpture!, with a rotating display of sculptures.
12 locals recommend
Riverwalk
Riverwalk
12 locals recommend
The Milwaukee Riverwalk ties together three distinct waterfront neighborhoods (The Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B). It is more than 20 blocks from end to end, and is an awesome way to get to see different areas of the city at your own pace. The Riverwalk is also home to an outdoor art gallery called RiverSculpture!, with a rotating display of sculptures.

Craft Beer & Breweries

Award winning microbrewery, just west of the Historic Third Ward.
25 locals recommend
Third Space Brewing
1505 W St Paul Ave
25 locals recommend
Award winning microbrewery, just west of the Historic Third Ward.
While neither of us are beer aficionados, our beer snob friends love this place (they also vouch for Third Space and Gathering Place, as well as Draft & Vessel, all listed in the guidebook as well).
32 locals recommend
Good City Brewing
2108 N Farwell Ave
32 locals recommend
While neither of us are beer aficionados, our beer snob friends love this place (they also vouch for Third Space and Gathering Place, as well as Draft & Vessel, all listed in the guidebook as well).
Another favorite of craft beer aficionados.
9 locals recommend
Gathering Place Brewing Company
811 E Vienna Ave
9 locals recommend
Another favorite of craft beer aficionados.
North of us in Shorewood, this is a beer lovers bar to the core!
23 locals recommend
Draft & Vessel
4417 N Oakland Ave
23 locals recommend
North of us in Shorewood, this is a beer lovers bar to the core!
Classic slice of Milwaukee history, with great brewery tours!
10 locals recommend
Captain Pabst Pilot House (formerly Pabst Milwaukee Brewery & Taproom)
1037 West Juneau Avenue
10 locals recommend
Classic slice of Milwaukee history, with great brewery tours!